Two things quickly become clear about Russell Watson, an excellent if slightly unpolished tenor: He has an outstanding voice, and he has studied with commendable care the recordings of Luciano Pavarotti, not to imitate b... more »ut to learn. He speaks English like a member of the British working class, but he sings Italian (give or take one or two little grammatical slips) like a native of Naples. The Italian is one sign of Pavarotti's influence. So are the little quaver he throws in at the climax of "O sole mio," his stylish treatment of "Torna a Surriento" and "Mattinata," and his choice of Pavarotti's opera favorites, "E lucevan le stelle" and "Nessun dorma." But he has a stylistic versatility that practically defines "crossover"--he sings rock, Gounod's "Ave Maria," and Italian pop songs "Caruso" and "Volare" (the best recording since composer Domenico Modugno's long ago). The live show from New Zealand includes two guest stars, Faye Tozer (of the British pop group Steps) and young New Zealander Hayley Westenra, plus a children's chorus. --Joe McLellan« less
Melanie A W. (novelwriter) from NEWINGTON, CT Reviewed on 12/9/2007...
I absolutely love Russell Watson. This dvd is a must for any fan of his. It has as many songs as his cds.
Movie Reviews
Incredible Talent
Cailin Henson | Torrance, CA United States | 02/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Russell walks onto the stage of his Auckland concert featured on this DVD, he literally lights up the entirety of New Zealand with him. He has an amazing stage presence, not to mention an incredible talent and equally diverse voice. Not even as the concert comes to a close, does he falter and with just as much passion and strength as when he starts. His love for performing and entertaining people can really be seen in this incredible concert wonderfully captured on DVD. Because he may not visit the United States and perform, as much as he may England or Australia, I may never have a chance to see him really live. But because of this incredible DVD, I will, if even for an hour and twenty-three minutes, feel as if I'm there, singing along with him. There's a great blend of songs from both U.S. albums and two beautiful duets. His genuine love of singing is something I can't say I've seen in many artists, so if only for that reason, I recommend this DVD to you and hope that you find the enjoyment in it that I have."
Thoroughly Enjoyed It!
Cailin Henson | 02/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Enjoy Russell Watson for what he is: a gifted performer with a chameleon voice, goods looks (what a smile!) and an ingratiating stage presence. I also love Josh Groban, Mario Frangoulis, Andrea Bocelli -- I count myself lucky to have DVDs of their concerts and I love them all. All these guys have original voices, different kinds of talents and they are not at all cookie-cutter types; they all possess that rare X factor.I bought the Russell Watson DVD hoping for the best and I honestly did not expect him to be such an effective performer. Yes, he sings differently from Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, etc. but this is what makes him an original. Just let go and appreciate him as Russell Watson. All I know was that he was able to raise goose pimples several times during the concert and I simply had a extremely gratifying concert experience."
Fantastic performance
Leland R. Somers | Vallejo, CA United States | 02/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Russell Watson is more than "The Voice" he is a phenomenon on stage. His voice is certainly one of the most beautiful that the world has ever heard. He is a gift to the entire planet.What makes watching him so wonderful, aside from the voice of the century, is the smile that lights up everything; a smile that lets you know that he is having the best time in the world. He clearly loves what he does and it shows, man does it show."
A gem of a concert DVD!
Weiwen | Singapore | 04/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first heard Russell Watson on CD at my local HMV a couple of years back....I was simply taken away by that powerful, yet emotive factor so reasonant on that voice. Without hesitation, I listened to a couple of tracks from the CD and I was hooked..Volare blew me away and for what seemed like an eternity, I was flying up there with Watson among the clouds ..(felice di stare lassu'...). This DVD is a gem indeed and a must for all fans. If you have a 5.1 set-up at home, that's even better as Watson's superb vocals emanate beautifully and the surrounds convey the crowded atmosphere of the outdoor concert. In other words, simply a treat as there you have it....your very own front row seat in front of this young tenor. Watson's strong stage presence and charisma is remarkable and he uses his witty charm to good effect. Eg. When announcing the arrival of guest singer Faye Toyser, someone screams crazily from the crowd. Russell appears very amused,throws a glance towards the direction of the culprit and shoots a humorous question,"Do you know me more?" :) Unlike the older tenors like Pavarotti and Domingo(who are undoubtedly opera legends themselves), Watson utilizes his youthful energy to good effect, especially during the Volare cue where he does a couple of neat steps(.."Una musica dolce suonava soltanto per me") that will put a smile to your face. Imagine Pavarotti doing a little dance like that?! When he sings O' Sole Mio, you'll be mesmerised by his passionate inflections and energy. The young NZ guest singer Hayley Westenra is absolutely impressive and when she starts off Pokarekare Ana.... I was absolutely spellbinded by the beauty of her pristine voice that echoed lightly throughout my living room. Overall, a gem of a concert DVD!!! E' magnifico!!!"
Astonishing Voice, Ingratiating Performer
Leland R. Somers | 06/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having purchased all of Russell Watson's CD's, I was familiar with his beautiful and powerful voice, as well as his unique ability to sing opera/classical music and pop songs with equal facility. However, this DVD made me realize what a magnetic performer he is in person. He is a pleasure to watch and the collection of songs/arias that he sings are a testament to his tremendous talent. He clearly loves to perform and is at ease doing so, unlike many. He has a sense of humor, he's good-looking and he sings like an angel--what more can you ask? Do yourself a favor and get this DVD."